Texas Trade Shows Won’t Admit Nra

The National Rifle Association has been barred from three Texas sporting goods shows because of its criticism of federal agents.

“After … talking to our exhibitors and the sportsmen across the state, everyone is in agreement that the NRA is heading in the wrong direction,” Jerry W. Curl, show director of the Texas-Mexico Hunting & Fishing Expos, said Monday.

Earlier this month, an NRA fund-raising letter describing federal agents as “jack-booted government thugs” prompted former President Bush to tear up his lifetime membership. Former House Speaker Tom Foley said he will do the same.

Curl said he told the 3.5 millionmember NRA in a May 12 letter that it is no longer invited to trade shows set for July and August in Houston, Laredo and McAllen.

The Houston show was expected to draw about 40,000 people. The shows in Laredo and McAllen were expected to attract about 20,000 each.